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Lip Exfoliation 101

Winter has come and so have dry, chapped lips. Combat these lips by treating your lips right and exfoliating. The skin that makes up the lips is very thin, thinner and more delicate than other skin on the body. Because of this, moisture evaporates more quickly and dries the skin out, leaving the lips rough and blistered. Additionally, lips don’t have sebaceous glands which help keep the skin hydrated. Since the skin has no means of natural exfoliation, the skin continues to build up and crack, especially during the winter when there is already little moisture in the air.

To help this, use a soft toothbrush and lip scrub mixture to exfoliate the dead skin off once a week. Follow the exfoliation with a rich lip balm that contains SPF 30 or greater to hydrate the lips back up. Make sure to not exfoliate too hard and leave the lips red and raw. Exfoliating and moisturizing will help the lips from dryness, swelling, burning and bleeding.

Sources:
https://www.vogue.com.au/beauty/skin/how-to-properly-exfoliate-your-lips/news-story/8fda5c0c756db858d2df52f4b59cc7e7
https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-exfoliate-lips
https://www.nivea.com.au/skin-care-tips/face-care/exfoliation/how-to-exfoliate-lips
https://stylecaster.com/beauty/how-often-to-exfoliate-your-lips/

Winter Skin Protection

Winter outdoor activities are a great way to make the most of the cold months. Learn how to take the proper precautions and keep your skin healthy this winter.

Layer up

Winter weather can change constantly throughout the day. Wear breathable layers for regulating body temperature. Don’t forget to protect your hands with gloves and a hat and scarf. Consider wearing a ski mask, which will cover up most of your face. Bring an extra pair of socks in case your pair gets wet.

Hydrate and Moisturize

Don’t skimp out on sunscreen and moisturizer this winter. Re-apply sunscreen SPF 30 or greater every two hours, especially if skiing or snowboarding is on the agenda. Make sure to also use a lip balm with sunscreen to protect your lips. Another important place skiers and snowboarders tend to forget to apply sunscreen is their nose.

Be Sun-Savvy

Remember, you can still get sunburn in the winter! Snow acts as a mirror and reflects the sun’s rays, so you are exposed to them twice. Additionally, Higher elevations lead to stronger UV radiation. Wear goggles or sunglasses that help protect against UVA/UVB rays but also the wind. More often than not, that ‘windburn’ is really sunburn.

Sources:
https://aadermatology.com/how-to-protect-your-skin-this-winter/
https://deteroutdoor.com/blog/skin-care-tips-skiers/
https://www.healthyessentials.com/beauty-solutions/winter-sports-skin-protection-tips

Dermal Fillers In Men

The use of dermal fillers is a great, non-invasive alternative to surgical facelifts and improves the appearance of the skin. The use of fillers in men has increased due to awareness of non-invasive procedures. While dermal fillers have increased in popularity amongst the male community, male patients are still concerned about feminization. The approach to male aesthetics is different from females. Dermal filler treatments are tailored to the natural male structure and beauty.

Men and women are structurally different. Men naturally have thicker skin and larger bones. Men’s foreheads are larger overall, and their eyebrows are flatter than women’s. Their cheeks are flatter and have more of an angle rather than women’s cheeks which are rounder and fuller. There is more volume loss in men’s lower lips verses their upper lip, which is more common in women.  Another common treatment area is the jawline. Men want a wider and well-defined jaw while women tend to have narrower, v shape jaws. Other common areas for men’s dermal fillers include cheeks, around the eyes and temples, and nasolabial folds. It is important to find a skilled injector that listens to individual needs and has training in all dermal fillers.

At Knoxville Dermatology Dermatology, our skilled injectors are knowledgeable and extensively trained in all dermal fillers. To schedule your consultation to see how dermal fillers can benefit you, please visit our website.

Hyaluronic Acid: What’s the Big Deal?

Hyaluronic Acid (HA, as you might see on your skincare labels) is an ingredient everyone is buzzing about – but what is it? Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule found in the body used to retain moisture – leaving the skin plump, healthy and hydrated. While the body is able to produce HA, it is an added benefit when applied topically. One gram of Hyaluronic acid is equal to six litres of water. That’s super-hydration for the skin! HA also has the ability to regulate moisture within the skin cells to make sure the cells aren’t ‘drowning’ and leaves the skin smooth and soft. Hyaluronic acid can be found in the form of serums, supplements, and topical injections. Many dermal fillers are Hyaluronic Acid-based.

In addition to the hydrating benefits, Hyaluronic acid helps fine lines, wrinkles and a gives a radiant glow.  Properly hydrated skin is plump and diminishes the look of fine lines. Hyaluronic acid is safe for all skin types, even acne-prone and sensitive skin. When injected, HA can help with osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease due to normal use of the joints. Add the hydrator as the last step in your beauty regimen, right before your moisturizer.

At Knoxville Dermatology Group, we have beauty experts who can help assist and get you on a proper skin care regimen. To schedule a beauty consultation, please visit our website.

Sources:
https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/skin/a35378/what-is-hyaluronic-acid-and-how-does-it-work/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hyaluronic-acid-benefits#section3

Lip Fillers 101

Lip fillers are a great, non-surgical procedure to enhance your natural look. Since 2000, lip injections have shown staggering growth and increased popularity. Over time, the lips and lines around the mouth thin and lose their shape. Juvéderm® is a popular dermal filler brand that help add volume and are hyaluronic acid based. Read more below about the common lip fillers from the Juvéderm® families.

Juvéderm

Juvéderm has two popular options for lip fillers: Juvéderm® Ultra XC, and Juvéderm® Volbella XC. Both are FDA approved for lip augmentation. Juvéderm® Ultra XC adds more fullness and plumps thin lips. It also helps with smoothness, softness and overall structure of the lips and mouth.

However, Juvéderm® Volbella XC is a soft, smooth gel injectable which adds subtle volume to the lips and smooths vertical lip lines. Additionally, Juvéderm® Volbella XC helps add fullness to already great lip-structure and smooths and improves texture of the overall lips. Both Juvéderm® Ultra XC and Juvéderm® Volbella XC have been shown to last up to a year with optimal treatment.

Results are seen more instantly with both Juvéderm® Ultra XC and Juvéderm® Volbella XC, but full effects can be seen within a few days after treatment. Similar to Restylane® Silk, Patients can swell at first due to the lidocaine but the swelling subsides within a few days

Safety

Juvéderm® Ultra XC was FDA approved in 2011 as a dermal filler, and became FDA approved for the lip augmentation in 2015 for patients over 21. Juvéderm® Volbella XC gained FDA approval in 2016 for use in the lips for lip augmentation and for correction of perioral lines in adults over the age of 21. Patients should talk to their provider if they have a history of allergies to lidocaine or hyaluronic acid, bleeding disorders or anaphylaxis. ­ Both Juvéderm® Ultra XC and Juvéderm® Volbella XC are only available through a licensed provider. Like Restylane®, there are minor side effects to Juvéderm® lip injections, which include:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Tenderness
  • Itchiness
  • Dryness

More serious side effects are rare, but include:

  • Skin color changes (hyperpigmentation)
  • Infection

You may be at increased risk of side effects if you are a smoker, have a bleeding disorder or have any inflammatory skin conditions. Make sure to talk to your provider and discuss any medications that could increase the chance of infection. Patients who are breast feeding, pregnant, or trying to become pregnant should also talk to their provider as the safety has not been studied. For more information, read the full patient safety information for Juvéderm Ultra XC and Juvéderm Volbella XC.

We offer Juvéderm® family dermal fillers. To schedule your appointment and see which dermal fillers are right for you, please visit our website or call us at 865.342.5823 (Knoxville) or 865.868.4683 (Sevierville).

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/restylane-vs-juvederm-lips#overview

https://www.restylaneusa.com/restylane-silk

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/galderma-launches-restylane-silk–first-and-only-fda-approved-filler-indicated-for-lip-enhancement-and-treatment-of-perioral-lines-300027638.html

https://www.juvederm.com/juvederm-ultra-xc

https://www.allergan.com/news/news/thomson-reuters/juv-derm-volbella-xc-approved-by-u-s-fda-for-use-i

Common forms of Dermatitis in Winter

Winter weather can wreak havoc on your skin. Learn about the most common winter dermatitis conditions, seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis (Seb Derm) is a common skin condition that causes skin cells to grow very quickly and build up on the skin, leaving the skin red and scaly. The most common place for Seborrheic Dermatitis is on the scalp, causing dandruff. However,  other oily areas of the body, such as the face, arms, upper chest and back are prone to Seb Derm. In infants Seb Derm is referred to as cradle cap.  Other names for Seb Derm are seborrheic eczema or seborrheic psoriasis. Treatment for Seb Derm includes topical medications and light therapy.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a very common condition which causes an inflammation of the skin. This inflammation can leave the skin red and itchy. Eczema is a chronic skin condition and can occur at any age. Eczema usually develops in early childhood and is more common in people who have a family history of the condition. Most common affected areas are the neck, chest, eye/eyelids, elbows, behind the knees, and on the hands and feet.

Anne Arundel Dermatology, our providers specialize in treating both Seb Derm and Atopic Dermatitis. To schedule your appointment to treat your winter skin conditions, visit our website or call 865-690-9467.

How Stress Affects Your Skin

Stress has a destructive relationship with our skin. Everything in the body is correlated, so it transpires onto our most outer layer. Stress has an immense impact on both the extrinsic and intrinsic factors of our skin, which can cause the body to react in various negative ways. The skin is much deeper than just the outer layer, as our mind and the organ work together. If you are a victim to stress and might possess stress-related symptoms, ask yourself the following:

  • How am I eating?
  • How am I sleeping? Have my sleeping patterns changed?
  • When my skin issue started, what was going on in my life?
  • Are my symptoms stress related?

Understanding Your Stress Hormone & How it Works

Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone which fuels the its’ “fight-or-flight” response. This hormone is released during periods of stress which in return increases heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, respiration and muscle tension. Cortisol also reduces the body’s system functions that are not needed during times of crisis, such as the reproductive, digestive and immune systems. Other functions of cortisol include:

  • Regulates blood pressure
  • Increases the body’s glucose production (blood sugar levels)
  • Enhances the body’s energy and restores balance
  • Assists in memory formation
  • Controls your sleep/wake cycle
  • Regulates inflammation

How does cortisol work? Two glands in the brain, the hypothalamus and pituitary, sense if the bloodstream contains the right level of cortisol. If levels are too low, the brain adjusts the amount of hormones it produces. The adrenal glands sense these signals and then determine the amount of cortisol to release. Most of the cells in the body contain cortisol receptors, which receive and use the hormone in various ways. The body’s needs vary from day to day, which causes the level of cortisol production to rise and fall accordingly.

 Stress vs. Skin

The major concern with stress and skin is inflammation. When stress affects the body through the skin, it can develop through three different skin conditions: acne, rosacea and psoriasis. The common denominator between these stress-caused symptoms is the reddish color, which comes from inflammation.

Acne

During periods of excessive stress, one may experience more acne-related breakouts than usual. High levels of cortisol result in elevated sebum (oil) production which causes pores to become clogged. Once pores are clogged, the development of inflammation and bacteria cause acne to form.

Rosacea

According to the National Rosacea Society, there have been multiple scientific studies on how the process of facial flushing and redness are linked to high levels of stress. Heat and stress are triggers of rosacea and can cause redness flare-ups to the skin.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis and stress have an intertwined relationship. Stress causes psoriasis, while psoriasis can cause stress. While professionals are not sure how stress directly affects psoriasis, they assume it has something to do with the immune system and its functionality.

Stress can also accelerate the aging cycle in the body, resulting in wrinkles and dark circles. Wrinkles form as a result from dehydration and loss of collagen. Similarly, dark circles are largely related to dehydration in the body and a lack of sleep. To combat the effects stress has on wrinkles and under eye circles, one must stay hydrated and conscious of their stress levels.

Questions to Ask Your Dermatologist

As the effect of stress on the skin comes off as quite complex, it is important to refer to a professional with all of your skin-related concerns. Some stress-related skin questions include the following:

  • How can I combat stress-related symptoms with my specific skin type?
  • What signs/symptoms should I look for when deciphering stress-related skin conditions?
  • How can I manage my cortisol levels?

If you struggle with stress-related skin symptoms, seek professional treatment right away. There are various means of treatment and remedies to have you feeling the absolute best in your own skin. The dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group are licensed professionals who are experienced in hundreds of skin conditions. To make an appointment visit us online or call (865) 690-9467.

Why You Need to Avoid the Tanning Bed this Winter

It can be difficult to maintain a good tan during the sunless and cold, winter months unless you’ve taken a beach vacation or are lucky enough to live somewhere warm and sunny year-round. However, for most of us, our skin quickly loses its summer glow and pales throughout the winter. While tan skin may be a confidence booster, it doesn’t mean you should hit the tanning bed. There are many reasons to avoid dangerous sunless tanning booths and a number of safe ways to obtain a radiant tan.

Avoiding the Tanning Bed

We’ve all heard it before. There is plenty of information and awareness out there warning people of the dangers that come with tanning beds. However, the industry is still making profits and people are developing skin cancer at insane rates. Here are some of the most important and crucial reasons to avoid the bed.

  • Risk of Skin Cancer: Sunless tanning booths are a known carcinogen, meaning they are a recognized avenue to developing cancer. Tanning beds increase your risk of developing skin cancer by 59 percent. Each time you visit a bed, this percentage increases. Your risk not only increases for mild skin cancers, but also for the most deadly form of skin cancer, known as melanoma. Melanoma most commonly occurs on the skin, but ocular melanoma can appear on the eye, causing vision loss.
  • Wrinkles: All types of UV rays, or the sun’s harmful rays, cause skin damage. With tanning beds, you are given direct exposure to UVA and UVB rays, with little to no protection. UV rays are known to cause wrinkles in sunbed users of all ages. These beds weaken the skin elasticity and will cause wrinkles to come sooner rather than later.
  • Skin Texture: Not only do tanning beds cause wrinkles, but they cause a complete overhaul of your skin’s health. Your skin’s texture can change with the use of indoor tanning, causing it to have a leathery texture. In addition, tanning beds cause dark spots to appear on the face and other parts of the body, creating skin tone variation.

Tanning Bed Users

The first thing you should do if you use a tanning bed is to stop. If you visit an indoor tanning bed regularly or used to, you should also see your dermatologist regularly and performing skin checks. With such a heightened risk of skin cancer, it is important to monitor your skin so that cancer can be treated immediately. You may feel embarrassed to admit to your dermatologist that you use tanning beds. However, it is important to be honest with your doctor so they know and understand your risk factors and can offer you appropriate care.

Safe Alternatives for Sunless Tanning

  • Spray Tan: Many indoor tanning locations offer spray tan options. When people think of spray tans, they fear looking like a carrot or having an uneven tan. With today’s technology, spray tans have become much more reliable and natural. For the same cost as a tanning bed membership, you can get regular sprays and still have the bronzed skin you desire.
  • Tanning Lotion: Just like spray tans, tanning lotions have become much more reliable and look incredibly natural. There are tanning lotions available anywhere in your price range and desired skin tone. Many tanning lotions offer “buildable tans,” meaning you continue to apply for multiple days until you reach your desired tone.
  • Rock Your Natural Skin: The simplest and most cost-effective way to avoid sunless tanning is to rock your natural skin. Everyone has different skin tones. There will always be someone paler than you and someone who is tanner than you. When considering your skin, don’t spend time fretting over how tan it is and begin to care for its overall health instead.

It’s time to put your skin’s health first. Be sure to avoid tanning beds. If you have been a regular indoor tanner, be sure to make an appointment to have your skin checked and cared for today. If you have already administered a skin check and have found some things that raise alarm, it is also time to make an appointment. The dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group have experience treating hundreds of skin conditions and are ready to care for you as well. To book an appointment visit the website or call at (865) 690-9467.

Psoriasis – What, When, Where, Why and How?

Around 2 percent of the population develops psoriasis at some point in their lives, making it a relatively common skin condition. While psoriasis is not curable, it is easily treatable with the help of your dermatologist. When diagnosed with a skin condition, it can be confusing and hard to find all of the right answers. Let this blog serve as a brief overview of the condition or a starting point for further conversations with your dermatologist.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a condition that causes a buildup of dead skin scales. This creates raised, silvery-red patches across the body, which can be itchy and painful. This form of the condition is called plaque psoriasis, and is also the most common type. However, you should be aware that psoriasis can appear in the form of these other types:

  • Guttate: This is typified by small lesions dotting the skin. Usually, guttate psoriasis appears in childhood after cases of strep infection.
  • Inverse: Inverse psoriasis shows up in the body’s folds. This includes areas of the body such as the armpit, behind the knee or the groin.
  • Pustular: If you suffer from pustular psoriasis, you will see blisters filled with noninfectious puss surrounded by red skin covering areas of the body like the hands or feet.
  • Erythrodermic: This is the most severe and rare type of psoriasis and causes skin to come off in sheets and clothes. Erythrodermic psoriasis is a more intense and painful type of plaque psoriasis.

When does Psoriasis Normally Develop?

More often than not, psoriasis develops around the ages of 15 to 35. There is no definite time that psoriasis appears; however, it can develop at all age. Around 10 percent of those with the condition will be diagnosed under the age of ten. For children with psoriasis, it is very common appears after the child has contracted strep throat. If you have young children, be sure to monitor their symptoms well after illnesses, like strep throat, bronchitis or an earache, to be sure they have not developed psoriasis.

Where on the Body is Psoriasis?

Unfortunately, psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body. Most commonly, it is found on the knees, elbows and scalp. Where you experience psoriasis may be linked to the type of psoriasis you have. For example, those with pustular psoriasis often have bad flare ups on the hands and feet, whereas those with inverse psoriasis normally only experience flare ups in the fold of their skin like the armpit or under the knee.

Why do I have Psoriasis?

There is no known cause for psoriasis; however, it is known that immune systems and genes have a hand in the development. Caucasians are more likely to develop psoriasis than other races, although it can develop no matter your race. Those who carry the psoriasis gene are more likely to develop the condition, so if both parents carry the gene, their child has a 50 percent chance of having psoriasis.

If you do suffer from psoriasis, different parts of your environment may trigger flare ups of the conditions. Triggers may include:

  • Stress
  • Medication
  • Skin Lesions (cuts, burns, bruises)
  • Allergies
  • Diet
  • Weather (extreme heat or dryness)

How Can I Treat Psoriasis?

Again, psoriasis has no cure but is easily managed and treated. Treatments like phototherapy, steroid medications, topical ointments and regular dermatology visits are great ways to care for the condition. There are also small ways to improve your psoriasis by managing triggers. Administering self-care, getting plenty of rest and paying special attention to your environment are great ways to help account for your triggers.

If you struggle with psoriasis, don’t wait to seek treatment. There are many things to do to help manage your symptoms. The dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group are experienced in hundreds of skin conditions and can get you back on the path towards comfort. To make an appointment visit use online or call (865) 690-9467.

Understanding the Sources of Your Pigment Irregularities

Everyone’s skin is different. You may wonder why your skin isn’t the same even tone across your body. This could be caused by areas getting more sun than others. However, there’s a chance of developing more intense and noticeable skin pigment irregularities which appears in blotches, patches or specks. Pigment irregularities are caused by a number of things, some of which are helped with treatment. By understanding your pigment irregularity and what causes it, can better help you seek treatment and possibly resolve the tonal differences.

Melasma

Melasma is a condition that causes brown or grayish patches to appear most commonly on the face, but also on areas that are vulnerable to sunlight— such as the neck and shoulders. There are two common triggers for melasma, sun exposure and hormone changes. Pregnant women are more prone to developing melasma; although, during pregnancy, this is called chloasma.

To protect your skin against melasma, it is important to wear sun protection. If you are suffering from this pigment irregularity, a dermatologist can prescribe a number of treatments like topical medicine, corticosteroids or even procedures. Once a woman is no longer pregnant, they can begin to treat the condition through hormone therapy or any of the above treatment options.

Vitiligo

This condition is considered to be an autoimmune disorder, as there is no definite cause of vitiligo. Vitiligo causes patches of skin to lose pigment due to the death of pigment-producing cells. It is important to note that vitiligo only affects one’s appearance and causes no internal harm. If you have vitiligo, you can seek treatment through topical steroids or forms of light therapy. These treatments make your skin very vulnerable in the sun, so it is important to only treat vitiligo with the health of a dermatologist.

Solar Lentigines

These irregular, brown spots are more commonly known as “liver spots.” Solar Lentigines affects areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun including the hands, face, shoulders and lower legs. To lessen the appearance of these dark spots, your dermatologist may prescribe a laser treatment, chemical peel or topical cream. Most importantly, you should always wear sunscreen and protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. This is the most effective way to prevent solar lentigines from appearing.

Port-Wine Stains

Named for their dark red or purple color, port-wine stains appear at birth and become thicker and deeper in color with time. These birthmarks are caused by tiny blood vessels that grow beyond what they are supposed to. A port-wine stain needs to be monitored by your doctor or dermatologist. Especially if it is located on the face, as this could potentially cause issues with eyesight. If you were born with this type of birthmark, it is no reason to be concerned. However, there are treatment options available to lessen or even remove the pigment irregularity.

This is not a comprehensive list of conditions that cause pigment irregularities. For more information about why you may have tone discrepancies in your skin, check out this blog and be sure to visit your dermatologist. To guard yourself against the potential of harmful pigment irregularities, wear sunscreen each day, especially on the face. If you have noticed or were born with a pigment irregularity and would like to seek treatment, it is time to visit the experienced staff at Knoxville Dermatology Group. To make an appointment, visit our website or call at (865) 690-9467.